Nov 20, 2011

the yuppy puppy..( gumball machine with dog treats)

we need some volunteers to really concentrate on getting these pups to use it--- or we need to take it away.---.problem is the adults know-- and bentley knows and the rest of the pups stand around waiting for bently to spill some.

doesn;t seem right-- gigi doesn't know either..

we need some attention to that matter.

*********************

construction wise-- paul and earlene showed yesterday with a heavy duty pupe cutter and we whipped out the frames for the chain link-- and then ran out of pipe-- but with luck today we will get that done.

and the chimney has been fastened to the ceiling--- so we can try a bigger fire today

i have some coal somewhere here--- in a trash can..

need to experiment with that -- and the timeing--

and how long does a big chunk of a log last....? overnight??

this is certainly not a kennel like anyone elses kennel

******************

looking forward to jade 's arrival tomorrow

*****************

So Carlene, you told me that Jim thought he couldn't have another dog but after two weeks he realized life without a dane is just no longer an acceptable lifestyle. I think that might be on your theories to test. The grief transitions into the feeling of not wanting to do it again which transitions into the feeling of having no option but to do it again.

I am flying up tomorrow night and cannot believe I will be alone

. Katie accompanied me on my last 3 dozen flights. A flight attendant can help me on a plane but not like she could. And everyone from the front desk to security to flight attendants knows her by name, the questions are always painful but it reminds me of how many people had their day made just by seeing her. I just appreciate everything everyone at SDP did to get Kate ready for working life, the love that you all gave her and the time you gave me with her. Thank you.

-Jade

******************

so now we have to put another together for her

i am always in fear of making some decision which would be detrimental to a "partnership"- but that is no reason not to try and get it right.... again.

per ADI rules anyone who has lost a dog has highest priority in getting another.

plus---- jade will be living about 10 miles away as she will be going to law school in andover...

****

besides with all her experience she is capable of dealing with another dane quirk-- they all have them

for example bobby--- perfect bobby-- continues his absolute fear of bathtubs and sinks--- other than that he is very level headed.

****************

speaking of quirks-- i have a bunch of relatives arriving in the area-- from -texas----dc and colorado- organized by daughter gwen-

i don't know if anyone will be staying here-- they are not really into the dog project- but i probably should get the coa van cleaned up.

usually there is a group who want to chase the Myopia "Thanksgiving Hunt" it is a photo op big time...

Janine has ridden that for years --- has organized for a horse for one of my horse type nieces-

it is a spectacular out door event for thanksgiving morning--- - hounds--- and red coats etc...

being a "drag" hunt ( the route it takes is predetermined by someone riding earlier while dragging a very messy towel with a scent on it)

i don't know who told me it was annesette on the drag rag...

at any rate -for those who might want to go--- it probably will start 10:00 the back side of appleton farms the area of Cutter Rd and Highland street--- in ipswich

i will check the time and location with janine- but it is around there somewhere.. and it is possible to chase them as they go thru winthrops -- past turner hill and into bradley state park..

take great care if you have a dog with you--- that is a pack of hounds- a pack is a pack

interesting fyi-- the hounds are kenneled with a bunch of goats who's general actions are like a deer's -- except goats butt dogs--- so early -- as pups--they learn to stay clear of those kind and don't wander off the annesette chasing deer. is the theory

****************

Hi, just touching base, I think anyone with a Service Dog can list off some defining moments with Their Dog that deepen the bond or reassure Them of that bond and strengthen Their relationship. I don't know it is hard to put into words. The other day I got a no worries message from Tess, We were in the checkout line of a department store, it was crowded and after so many people ohing and ahing over her and asking about her, plus it was almost time for my next dose of med's I was frazzled, crashing (med's had cut out and I was trying to hold it together and get out of the store). As we inched along in line Tess kept turning facing back and I wanting to get out of there, kept turning her back around. I kept telling her to behave and turn around, then it happened, I bent down a little and whispered Tess....before I could say anything else She raised her head and planted a kiss right on my face! Looking in her eyes I read, (sensed?) Calm down I've got it, I'm handling this. I smiled and said well thank you Tess! The clerk told me my total I paid, Tess swung around tucked in close to me (for extra support?) and We strolled out of the store. To some it doesn't seem like much, but if You have a Service Dog you'll know what I mean. (Magical Moments)

I'd like to thank You again for making it possible for this wonderful Dog to come into My life! Sincerely Al&Tess

******************

that is reassuring to hear since we have a very long way to go with this bunch of pups,

every once in a while i look over this tribe and wonder what on earth i have got myself into--- and then one of the partnerships sends an email reminding me.

so on we go/

Nov 21, 2011

the biggest news today is jade is due here .

that is the biggest news unless..... gigi is very restless-- she has had 3 cookies and 2 bowls of food --- been on the deck--- and out front with yellow ----and is standing looking at me...

she is not due til ..Thursday -> Sunday

she is big.. and has a well developed mammaliary system-- i have not measured but for those of you interested in statistics--- i would say they are hanging 4.5 inches

i have not felt any kicking yet--- but she is soooooo thick.

**************

Sunday Sandy reports that lindsay is doing well in the therapy department..SS is a nurse and takes her to work occasionally to the delight of the nursing home patients etc....

****************

it was a fun Sunday stew-- the visual----

at one point 3 guys were struggling to loosen up an old ambulance gurney with hammers and a blow torch -- while greg 1 was wandering around with a trash can of coal on his shoulders --- greg 2 and a family with 3 kids were chasing pups up and down the hill- and someone else was struggling to get a chunk of hay out of mary's mouth..

(hay should not be pasted together in clumps--- that smacks of mold--- janine take note)

*****

we had 2 new stewers--- a "clicker trainer" from newburyport and a volunteer from gorden college--- both arrived as megan was trying to corral dogs and get them fed.

which brings up----- people should not blather when megan is trying to think.

( blather = an old scottish word for conversations like "blue towels were on sale at Sear's last week" i.e. a piece of information of no use to anyone---- not to be confused with "the barn is on fire" type conversation)-

***

megan does a terriffic job- so let her-- and when she is working she needs to be able to think.--- the last thing she is supposed to do every day is a walk-around- where she stands in front of every dog and verifies water and heat. ...it is her responsibility even when she is not the one feeding....

there are sooo many details-- it is not fair to burden her mind with "blue towels on sale at sears"

tell her all that when she is hanging around drinking soda--

************

re:clicker training --- if you have super timing- it can be a valid training device if you are teaching "tricks" -- i prefer to think we are educating dogs - not teaching tricks. --- also a clicker is one more thing for me to misplace---

i remember...( here we go) thumper-- who would pick up something i dropped-- no problem-

however--- i was giving a demo of how a dane could actually be trained to pick up something and hand it to you.

i dropped it -- he instantly picked it up

somebody said lets see that again

i dropped it again-- he looked at me and very slowly picked it up

the 3rd time i dropped it-- he smiled and said "forget that---- i am not a trick dog"

*******************

construction report

earlene and i worked on the chain link fences

paul screwed the chimney to the roof and we set 'er roaring.

it gets hot in there-- granted it was 60 degrees outside--- but it must have been 100 inside ( 40 degrees difference?? they can live with that.)

we need some thermometers-- and another little white box that turns a light on when the temp goes below 55 degrees.

*****************

earlene cleaned the windows of the van--- in prep for the onslaught of my relatives.

they do not live in the world of dane slobber on the windows.....

----- poor them.

***************

Dec 10th, 2011

poor randys roast beef--

we (4) had lunch there today--- the "pups" were great- but you can not stuff 4 DANEs IN harness under the table... megan got one under-- the rest sprawled in clear view so on one would trip over them..

i try not to go to the same restaurant more than once a month. randy's has open floor space

a critical HOW TO reminder ---- waitresses carrying a tray DO NOT LOOK DOWN-- SO WHEN THE DANE IS IN THE AISLE --- MOVE A CHAIR TO BLOCK THE WAY-- EVEN A HARLEQUIN ON A DARK RUG COULD LOGICALLY CAUSE A SPILL --- IN CASE I FORGOT TO MENTION THAT TO ANY NEW RECIPIENTS..

******************

I CAN TRY AND PUT JADES PICTURE HERE--

Pistol is great. I realized there is a correlation between how tight her harness is and how fast she pulls the chair, so that's good. Despite knowing Kate, some folks have been a little apprehensive about such a big dog named after a gun. So I started calling her Bristol and as was the goal, she didn't notice. We are meeting the woman from the other program for lunch today, so I'll let you know how that goes later.

***
Lunch went great. Jen and her husband were very nice and loved Pistol. She was great. She is getting used to laying down for long periods and therefore only got up when two ladies stood over her making kissy noises. Why people do that and then act surprised when the dog responds is beyond me... But anyway, Jen and her husband loved her.

-Jade

**********************

THe jen to whom she refers is from another program and would like to try a dane or two--- i have decided if anyone wants a pup of ours they have to come here and learn the difference between danes and goldens--- otherwise there is a big chance the dog is doomed..

a properly raised dane pup can do balance work with about 2 days training--- now if you want the dane to retrieve your dropped wallet--- that will take 6 months.

thumper taught me that in front of an audience once--- i dropped something and he promptly picked it up and put it in my hand- second drop he hesitated--- the third drop he clearly said-"you idiot.... i am not a trick dog" and would not even look at it.

**********

but for balance work--- they are right there.

**************

opAL AND BENTLY ARE LEARNING THAT TOM'S HAT IS ONE OF MY POSSESSIONS-- AND THEY MAY NOT TOUCH IT EVEN IF IT IS ON THE FLOOR.

ANOTHER TRAINING CONCEPT--- I DON'T KNOW IF I PUT THIS IN THE DD OR NOT.

IF YOU HAVE A SANDWICH ON YOUR LAP AND THE PUP COMES OVER-- YOU MUST NEVER PICK UP THE SANDWICH AND RAISE IT HIGHER AND HIGHER--- THAT IS HOW YOU TEACH A DOG TO STand on his hind legs --- YOU LEAVE IT ON YOUR LAP AND SNAP HIS NOSE IF IT GETS CLOSE WITH A "LEAVE IT" ----- THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT MOM WOULD DO.. SPEAKING DOG LANGUAGE ----THE PUP WILL LEARN THAT HUMANS ARE FOOD AGGRESSIVE--- AND THEY BETTER NOT PUSH THEIR LUCK..

it worked that way in the van yesterday--- which was crowded 4 pups charlie-crimson-xl- and corky-- plus bailey and luna for the ride.

(that was 4 people and 700 pounds of dogs)

we had the leftovers in a bag for the chickens--- and the pups were mauling jacky to get at it-

she threw the bag to me--- AND I Put it on the floor with a "leave it" and they all walked around it and did not dare touch it..

a further concept was i only snapped the nose of 2 of them--- and the rest decided not to try.

****************

next report

george's office party--- and the selection of random prize winners-- which will be done by our method of letting the chickens decide.

megan filmed one "episode" and then george said he had a second prize -- so we(+jacky and karen) did up a second numbered table and set out the chickens

after 100 seconds--- i said "it never takes this long" and with that-- out came the poo on a number--- which shall remain secret until we play the film at george's party.

we have a good concept going--- with a little perfection this could be an even greater concept for SDP....

********************

and steve---- he will learn to be careful about what he puts in an email to me--- i love cut and pasting,-----

sometimes he better put "not for publication"

Dear Carlene and crew,

I want to thank you for all your patience with me and all the help you gave me in just a few days of visiting with you and Charlie. I do miss him dearly already and slept terrible without him last night. I am back to checking over my shoulder and not wanting to go outside. I just can't tell you how much charlie helped my balance and PTSD. I have been looking at his picture every hour. What a goof ball!

I told you on my visit about some things that us younger veterans go thru and what really helps. such as letting the dog alert us to our surroundings, such a huge help for us that still can't handle startling sounds. The other thing that i noticed was when I told charlie to "WoW" he stopped but then I just nudged him to stand in front of me where I gently rubbed his back and he blocked me from any type of crowd or unknown situation. This was so helpful to me and stopped the sweating that I normally went through.

I tell all of this just for your information when you run across other veterans who fight the same battles. The only issue I was having and I believe as I work with him more it will get better is.... He walks faster than I do and keeps me more tense. I don't know what you think about that but is it something Megan could work on , trying to slow his pace down? It would help me with my balance better. If you believe it will be better for me to adjust together with him, of course I will. I am just trying to give you some feed back and I know you will let me know what is best.

I really want to thank you and Megan for all the help you have given me, I, for the first time, feel whole again and it feels great. I look forward to meeting again soon. I assume Megan will be working with Charlie a lot. Is it possible to get Megans email address so I can keep in contact and get regular updates? Thanks. Tell Doctor Tom I said Hello and we will talk soon.

Love Steve

*******************

i have to forward this video--- it makes cesar look like a beginner

notice the control the guy has on getting them to one side or the other as they pass other dogs--- and the control in traffic.

this guy knows what he is doing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=qFP28ANXLLA&vq=medium

there are a lot of details in this video worth watching.

#1 they are getting plenty of exercise

#2 dogs pack behind a leader.

Dec 12th, 2011

george's party and mark's sh#tting video were a mutual success.

that thersa's restaurant 114 middleton is a good place to eat--well done on all scores--

i was a wreck for fear of a mechanical malfunction of the 2 video'd sh#tings--- but george had his big tv there--- and the discs worked well- everybody laughed appropriately .

at the last minute gwen ( blue dog gwen) went with me-- thank heavens- because after the party we loaded the ladders--- she backed out and started for rt 114--- and the coa van said-- "not bloody likely"-and died...-the engine light had come on.

well in my carreer i have rarely driven a car that did not have the engine light on constantly..., so i tried to drive it... and it said "you either" and quit again.

with luck it limped into a parking spot under a light and there we sat--every few minutes i tried to turn on the key and the temp gauge would shoot for the OVERHEATED and die.--

it was lying-- it had to be--- it had not run long enough to even warm up-so we sat in the cold-- and called home--

earlene sent out the troops (3 men) armed with great intentions - antifreeze and water

now--- so help me--- gwen can swear to this--

the 3 just laid their hands on the van

paul opened the door--- bud leaned against it---greg opened the hood-- i turned the key and it started and ran all the way home without a hiccup-- with greg driving.

i rode in the car---- i had no faith in that "laying on of the hands"

paul thought gwen and i were nuts-- and we did not have a thing to drink !!!

we will never hear the end of that one.

****

Sunday stew apparently functioned well . .... in the guest house. with 7 puppies and a few adults--

***********

noel needs some tender loving training.. she is a bit too vocal in her disapproval of strangers--

i have to respect it only for a split second--- because bailey -yesterday reminded me she has the right to voice an opinion about 1 person in every 934 people that pat her. she does not approve of george-- even when i insisted with a rope--- she had this "don't cross me" look about her-- and was capable of snapping--- with blood.

she gave plenty of warning--- which is one reason everyone has to watch and read what their dog is thinking..

she took a cookie from george--- and he seemed "ah well ---see a treat will work every time" --- but the look on her face was "you don't buy me off for one lousy milk bone" and clanked her long toenails back into the tv room.

**********

today-- Monday

polly/bob day

and i want to go over with megan the one on one puppy handling. time has come for them to realize "they are trying to get me to do something"

very much like patty duke as hellen keller in the movie miracle worker when helen realizes the the movements in her hand mean WATER

these pups are ( read--- should be) ready to learn

as opposed to "how can i teach these humans to feed me a cookie"

Dec 13th, 2011

TOWER OF HOPE---LOUIS CALLED AND EMAILED THE DETAILS FOR SENDING GRANT REQUESTS IN DECEMBER--- SO I WILL CONCENTRATE ON THat today--- their support is critical for all these pups now in real training...

*******************

the nut house enables us to swap pups around mixing the litters and changing location-

both deagle house and nut house are respectably warm-- and kennel 9-10 is not quite respectably warm---but livable...and gives them a different view to be swapped around... also it gives megan a chance to leash walk them all one at a time as they go from pillar to post.

*****************

which reminds me--- the duct fan that moves air from 8 to 9 is making noise i.e. needs replacing--- and we have one to replace it---currently unused in the nuthouse...

and (here is a good one.... for all of you) those computers that you throw out--- have a wonderful little fan in them--- so before you pitch it out... unscrew the fan and cut the wires

they are very relaible and cost about $25 each-- every computer has one--- some dc -- some ac we can deal with either--- they move just enough air without causing a breeze...

next problem is i have a collection..... somewhere

so that can be today's scavenger hunt.

**************

dog training...

charlie is lovely-- a little lively-- but lovely-- his main problem we are working on is speed.

in dog thinking... if you want to go from A to B ---you do not meander--- but do a simple "dog trot"

people are more suited to meandering -- so charlie needs to be reprogrammed - he can se no reason to go slowly.. he is learning. he does a great "one step" on the stairs... but needs a slower "first gear."

*************

now about this "dog trot"

here we go--- and i bet geroge does not agree---but....

dogs should trot squarely--- with diagonal feet moving forward at the same time--'

some dogs "pace" --- a swinging motion with both legs on one side moving together ( not to be confused with a running gallop).

if we have a pup that paces--- and we have not had one in quite a while--- i remove it from the program because it is my belief that something is wrong somewhere-- and it makes a better pet than sturdy support dog.

for $5000 i am sure either george or tufts vet school could figure out why-- but it doesn't matter..in my exsperience "somethin's gonna give" sometime.

to demo exactly what i mean.... normally--- as you walk your left foot moves forward as your right hand swings forward-

just try that the other way with left foot and left hand moving forward

it doesn't feel right. and in dogs-- it is my belief that it predicts trouble down the line.... maybe not.. what do i know???

*******************

on the topic of george telling me i am nuts--- we can discuss hairy teeth-

this is a good one.

tooth picking--- as in tartar removal-- there is a new veternarian water jet that does a beautiful job for $700- however a screwdriver chips the stuff off the teeth too. ( that is how vets used to do teeth too)

megan and i cleaned teeth yesterday---

over years...i have had a pretty good look at teeth--

and i have discovered that my danes ( i have not checked elsewhere) my danes usually have at least one black hair coming out of their eye tooth. usually just one.... and i told george-- he dismissed it as too bizzare and said--WITH GREAT AUTHORITY- that hair was from licking/ grooming themselves and my immagination had gone wild--er..

i was not convinced and hung in there--- then one day i had bailey there-- and behold the one black hair on each of her canine teeth-- george gave me the "licking " theory----- and --- with delight i reminded him BAILEY IS WHITE.

so he looked-- and finally displayed the intellectual curiosity i expected of him.

so now he is as confused as i..

since many of our danes have a common genetic foundation of BMW and deagle from belgium--- could be it is specific to our danes

so would you all look into that and give me a report --

a gauze pad will discover that if you don't have a screwdriver.

*********************

both bud and paul are going to be away after christmas so i will be looking for drivers for tom --- hillary??? robbie??? anybody

************************

SINCE I HAVE NO CUT AND PASTE----- I CAME TO THIS--- WRITTEN LAST CHRISTMAS --

*************************************************

I am overwhelmed with ridiculous statements about which to write????

starting with

Merry Chrismas-

bud rob mary and i did a jesus job last night..Mary was 1000% with all those little kids and tiny fingers she managed not to do a thing wrong.as she devoured 1/2 a box of grannola bars---- so i had a lot of time to stand around and watch..

the fact that the budget cuts have eliminated many music programs in the schools means that nobody knows all the words to jingle bells let alone oh come oh come Emanuel-- the schools probably don't even have a christmas choral concert anymore because the security issue of keeping the schools open cost too much and would keep people from shopping for one night..

so nobody sings.

and very few are merry-----

i heard "go pat the donkey once --- we have to go."

i wondered where???

it is not un-american to skip the entire fiasco.

when gwen and janine were 5 and 7- they totally understood shopping in January they could get twice the presents because of the 50% off sales.

that lasted for a couple years- then we gave it up entirely

and just ate a bowl of whipped cream

it was a lot easier and cheaper.

i got the phone call from my daughter that every mother longs to get

"You were absolutely right"

"these %^$*&* kids need nothin --- want everything .... I quit"

scrooge? yup..

if i get a lump of coal in my stocking, i will thank santa for the heat it would produce.-all the rest is advertising.

**********************

i bet i am merrier than most who- thanks to christmas have credit cards overflowing.

i am bad....

Dec 14th, 2011

we have a group of pups addicted to plastic... water bottles ( with tops removed) may have started something...

before i had the coffee made this morning they had eaten--- well parts are missing-- of the plastic storage box containing our financial files.

now --- how do you think the IRS will deal with " the dogs ate my records" ???

actually--- our accountant said he hoped we would do a home audit because the irs would never believe this place otherwise.

-----our accountant's name is Rob--- i never thought about it before--

******************

i am very exited to announce the partitions in the nut house are no longer in the state of wiggle.... and are bolted up,, down... and sideways

i have not found any chain link hinges--- neither home depot or lowes have any-- not the huge gate hardware at $24 per... but the simple post and ring for maybe $6

our training mission today will have to be to a bigggg hardware storefor a few more pieces.. ?? seabrook home depot??

i forgot if i am supposed to shop at lowes --- or not shop there-- i forget the details of the news program.

**************

speaking of infrastructure and preparing for the future-- we have some woodland creature ( squirrel rat or chipmunk) who has been working on an easy access to the area by the coffee pot for a week.. ----. problem is--- their engineering department did not take into account the counter is a 2" thick maple butcher block. ..... currently bently and opal are sitting staring at the cupboard with my collection of plastic jars which holds up the thick counter..

the noise from within is exactly like when they chew on our oak sofa's aka dog beds.

i wonder what they are thinking.. ? rural sprawl?

whatever is in there is very bold--- the dogs are now chewing on the door to the cupbard.... stay tuned...

*****************

charlie is doing wonderfully---

next problem is we need a photo of charlie and steve to submit to TOH who has sponsored the training of dogs for veterans and their families...

steve is 3 hours from here- ( also charlie is 3 hours from steve)

*******************

we do have some driving opportunities for the next couple weeks

paul is going somewhere for 10 days

bud gone a week

megan couple days

fortunately hillary is broke ( normal student condition)

and other students may be around--

we need one to take charlie to steve's and get a picture of them together.

********************

i like broke students-- i built animal episodes on the stregnth of janine's broke classmates from BU. i could tell her i needed 4 fit helpers to chase pigs down storrow drive for some movie at 6am for $100 a day.. and 4 bleary eyed college kids would be standing on a corner waiting for me at 5:59 am.

******************

antifreeze-- is a very bad word-- to a dog-- it tastes good and wrecks their kidneys - killing them. -- doesn't take much

tom's car haS A leak- and just buying a jug and filling it up is not an option--a partailly filled jug is really a terrible thing to have.. they can be tipped over.

there is such a thing as pet friendly antifreeze -- prestone lowtox or some such-

but instead of just adding it i decided why not actually fix the leak..

not a bad idea-- i have lived too long with the duct tape mentality that actually fixing something is a new concept.

***********************

now i will try and copy and paste 2 pictures of "our new puppies" from denmark.

"our new puppies" -aka new stud dog for 2013??? got to plan ahead.

and a merle girl to keep him company

girl one

boy one

Dec 15, 2011

OTHERWISE KNOWN as today's tirade-

ANIMAL traINING-

THERE IS A WHOLE TRAINING LESSON HERE- IN AUTOMATIC BEHAVIOR.

IN OUR KITCHEN- WE DUTIFULLY HAVE TRASH-- PLASTIC--CANS-- GLASS

AND MOST OF THE PEOPLE AROUND HERE GET IT STRAIGHT

---NOT ALL--- BUT MOST..

EVEN THE MOST RELIABLE WERE TOTALLY THROWN OFF THEIR STRIDE YESTERDAY BY THE REVERSAL OF THE "CANS" AND " PLASTIC"

I AM SURE... SOMEONE SWEPT THE KITCHEN-- AND IN RETURNING THE CONTAINERS TO THEIR LOCATION REVERSED THEM... BECAUSE PLASTIC WAS IN FACT PLASTIC IN THE BOTTOM BUT 1/2 WAY UP IT ALL TURNED TO CANS... AS PEOPLE AUTOMATICALLY PITCHED TO THE LOCATION.... NOT TO THE SIGN THAT SAID "CANS"

I DO NOT THINK A DOG WOULD HAVE MADE THAT ERROR.

WHERE DOES THAT LEAVE US?

AND WE ARE SUPERIOR----WE CAN READ...

OR SO THEY SAY..

***************

I AM NOT SURE THAT IS TRUE EITHER--- YOU CAN HANG ANY SIGN YOU WANT ON A HARNESS THAT SAYS DO NOT DISTURB-- GET LOST--- OR WHATEVER--- AND PEOPLE WILL NOT READ IT ..

THE ONLY TIME I HAVE HEARD OF ANYONE READING A BADGE IS WHEN I GAVE MELISSA A PATCH FOR ANNIE THAT SAID "ASK BEFORE YOU PAT"

THAT POINTS OUT THAT I HAD A GAP BETWEEN READ AND THINK

BECAUSE ONE OF ANNIE'S CHORES IS TO DEAL WITH THE FACT THAT MELISSA IS DEAF.

***********************

*******************

AUTOMATIC BEHAVIOR?

THERE ARE HUGE LEGAL RAMMIFICATIONS OF HAVING A FLIGHT OF STAIRS WHERE ONE STEP IS HIGHER THAN THE REST.

WE PATTERN QUICKLY AND THEN ANYTHING THAT CAUSES US TO THINK IS WRONG.

ESPECIALLY IN POLITICS.

**********

ALL THIS CAME ABOUT BECAUSE I WENT TO A CHAIN LINK DEALER WHO HAD HIS OFFICE IN HIS CELLAR--- ONE STEP WAS DIFFERENT-- AND I TRIPPED 3 TIMES BEFORE I THOUGHT ABOUT WHERE MY FEET WERE.

***************

NOW DOGS.....

****************

WE HAVE CONCENTRATED ON CHARLIE--- AND HE IS DOING WELL

CRIMSON MUST HAVE BEEN STUNG BY A BEE--- BECAUSE LATELY SHE JUMPS LIKE SHE HAS BEEN SHOT IF YOU TOUCH HER REAR END--- SPINMMING 180 DEGREES. THAT WILL BE A GOOD ONE TO GET RID OF.

***************

UNFORTUNATELY I HAVE NOTHING TO CUT AND PASTE--

COME ON GUYS---- THERE ARE A FEW WE HAVE NOT HEARD FROM IN A BIT..

I NEED MATERIAL

OBVIOUSLY

Dec 16th

charlie is going to spend a couple overnights with steve--jacky and husband are taking him out to plainsxxxxx---? pitsfield ---nearly albany.. megan packed his "overnight bag"

then vivian( wife of very tall greg from Sunday stews) will visit him on Monday and try and figure out how to get charlie--or charlie and steve--- back for more training./

somewhere in this book of directions ADI put out, i think i read that a certified serv dog must be a year old..

charlie looks a year old-- and he can pass all the public access tests..

so we will call him a service dog in training-

all the public access laws apply to" in training" also.

STEVE.....please try and stay off the front page of your newspaper til we get a few more hours in training both you and charlie

REMINDERS

since he is young( the dog--- not steve)--- i have to remind steve to be careful about scolding him. danes are soooo sensative you can not raise the volume of "SCOLDING" that you would use trying to get a beagle's attention..

and cut that cardboard to fit in your rear jeans pocket with at least one plastic bag. it is flat--- you will not know it is there.

experience comes from bad experience--

it has happened to me only twice in all these years--- but last time in costco i simply moved my shopping cart to straddle the mess til i got organized--and when people saw me picking something up-- they figured i had dropped it.

welllll the third mess..

was more colorful-- paul and i were coming out of an elevator in the hospital with a young jasper-- he gagged once--- both paul and i grabbed our trusty emergency equipment in our back pockets - the second gag was productive-- but by that time paul had an open bag and i was at it with the 2 pieces of my cardboard--- i don't think the mess was on that floor for 5 seconds..

paul's cardboard made a second swipe and we were gone...

talk about professionals !!!

****

everybody gets to be an expert at something.
*****************************

ADI's book of directions does not include emergency situations like sending off pistol with 2 days official training.

*************

i have a nasty feeling today is the last hurrah for weather over 50 degrees

that number has something to do with the pvc cement--- so i better get that drain pipe glued today

isn't that fascinating???

Nov 23, 2011

it doesn't take much to confuse me

but---

i now have to ask that you all stop using today tomorrow and yesterday

and go with DAY things like WEDNESDAY.

i had a nasty mixup because someone stayed up late Monday night and sent me and email referring to "tomorrow". in my haste i checked the date of the email which said it was emailed tuesday-- therefore tomorrow would be wednesday--- except the email was written at 12:07am which for the person who had not yet has a few hours sleep tomorrow was Tuesday .

taking 20 minutes to figure out what day it is-- is putting a strain on my abilities.

i think anne is coming over today--- but i can't be sure--

same with theresa--- there were a bunch of tomorrows and today's in her email and things like that -- so i gave up trying to figure that out.

**************

jade... doing very well-- but during the night --- last night----( Tuesday to Wednesday night) i remembered THAT LOOK that i got from pistol as paul jade and i sat in the van and ate lunch-

it was clearly "where's mine?"

now here is the critical part----

i gave her 2 tiny bits of my sandwich-- which got me "at least someone loves me " look.

and jade said "pistol will not be getting any people food" and that is correct--HOWEVER she better carry a doggie snack for pistol at least for the first month.....

jade worked out a marvelous working relationship with katie-- and m,aybe katie accepted watching a group eat-- but pistol was disappointed that no one brought her a snack for lunch.

these pups get used to "wait your turn for a spoonful of canned food" and that was the look pistol had in the van "when is it my turn?"

it is pretty annoying to have a dog watch the every movement of your jaw as you chew your food..... think--- LUNA's pitiful look-- but this is pistol who is just trying to figure out why everything is different... and where is megan with the cheese????

BESIDES JADE HAS A GREAT SHELF/POUCH/ UNDER HER WHEELCHAIR SEAT AND CAN CARRY A WATER DISH THERE... AMONG OTHER THINGS..

****

so altho i dish out treats after a training session... i think in this case a few bites of cheese -- will define the situation better in pistol's mind.

other than that pistol and jade are doing fine-

******************

today ( that is wednesday...) plan is to go for a train ride.

yesterday ( tuesday) we spent time getting pistol to pull jade uphill.

in our enthusiasm -- she got the concept at speed- but the direction was a little random-

there was a photo op missed there as i wildly chased jade when they careened around a parking lot hitting pillar and post-- plus a few cars and a ups truck

on the way to the train we may hit liberytree mall where there is a slight hill in the floor.. WE CAN GO FOR A CONTROLLED WALK/PULL.

true-ism you can not teach a dog to pull running downhill at 90 mph.

paul has offered to drive-- and chaperone us on the train---

then after the train--- a run by costco... those pumpkin cheescakes looked just too good yesterday.

and that would be a "normal enviromnment" for pistol after a challanging train ride.

now to study the train schedules--- how many trains can we get on and off in 2 hours??

? inbound 2 stops to salem

outbound 6 stops to rockport

inbound to beverly

and outbound to newburyport???.

and back to the van in beverly

something like that

in the rain.

ANNE -- IF YOU GET HERE FOR THIS JAUNT--- YOU CAN BE THE UMBRELLA PERSON

 

 

Nov 25, 2011

Jade and pistol are on the plane

very funny story to type on a cpu when i land. we are on-- safe and sound. awesome in the airport. even pulled a bit.

-jade

***************

whew --- that is 1/2 the worry--- now to get off the plane and safely into her car-- which should happen in about 2 hours???

***************

my nerves are shot !!!

***************

i should not tempt fate and say anything before jade gets landed in her appartment... but..... technically------ this is where "educating the dog" is far superior to simply training one. pistol is usually a very sensible dog-- not the kind of thing you can do with clicker training.. .

beth (super clicker trained dog-- & gets this DD)-- could get her lab to pick up a random object- a blue pail - 100' away and place it on a random chair in the t tent in no more than 5 minutes while beth sat in one place--

that was impressive,,,

the clicker theory ( oh boy am i gonna get it) is for the dog to " make a suggestion" and i will click when it is correct. this is how beth did it.

dog standing in front of beth -- click--treat

standing then look in the direction i want you to go-- click--treat

look ---then walk in that direction- toward the object ( a blue pail) -- click--treat

walk toward and stand near the pail -- click--treat

stand at the pail and look for something to do- like touch the pail -- click--treat

go touch the pail and pick it up -- click--treat

bring it toward me -- click--treat

pick up the pail and walk-- toward the chair -- click--treat

pick up th pail and put it in front of the chair -- no click...

go pick it up again and put it on the chair -- click--treat

**************

now apply that to pistol at the airport-- going thru security---

one wheelchair one leash-one clicker and bag of treats -

2 hands-

pistol stop -- click--treat

pistol step in that doorway -- click--treat

TSA--- push button -- call security-- investigate the strange metal object----

get second opinion-- dog stuck in doorway waiting for a click- treat

security tests clicker-- dog jumps forward looking for treat-- jade reaches in her treat pouch- security doesn't understand what she is reaching for and pulls gun.

jade might have ended up in jail--

all over a clicker

***************

i am holding my breath til she lands in her car..-- my worry is having jade drop the short leash and pistol gets loose--and someone walks by who uses that strange hand cream "lush" that megan uses --- so pistol goes looking for megan-

stranger things have happened.. pistol was almost tagging along with jade after 2 days intro--- but she loves megan and complicated with megan's hand cream-- murphy's law could set in.

******************

we made it thru turkey day thanks to paul and earlene who drove--- and lois molly and Sunday sandy who managed the farm- and everyone survived.

janine rode in the myopia hunt-- and knowing what a madhouse it usually is we were there for a great parking place for tom to stay in the car- paul and earlene got out to watch the horses gather--- but it was cold--- so i called ann-- who is a winthrop and asked if we could park in her driveway - she knew where they would be going -- it being a drag hunt- we had the entire hunt go within 50 feet of the van. it is a photo op--- big time.

we all went to gwens for a dinner that they had been cooking for 3 days--- and it was super-

desert was supposed to be a pie per state from each family group- that fell thru in the confusion of flights, rental cars, and security. nobody brought pie but it was an interesting idea. gwen had anticipated that problem...

it was fun--- and no political arguements--- at least yet.-- it is a high powered group- which is amusing.

*************

back to the dogs--- and the dribble

gigi produced one dark red glob about 3"diameter last night-

and this morning her bed is churned up-- as in digging--- nesting...

she has not yet started to tear up the bedding--- that usually indicates labor is starting. she will stand on a blanket-- reach down grab it in her teeth and pull up-- with great force.... tearing even the strongest material

i am going to need "her friends" here-- she is still leary of me--- and in the throws of labor it could get very confusing... i hope her friends will be around--- close---- and when she starts ripping--- it still could be 12 hours--- but it also cold be 20 minutes..

cheers

Nov 26, 2011

daily doggie??? aka the drip and drool report

after 2 significant contractions--- just to keep everyone on their toes ---gigi is enjoying a wonderful night of snoring..

megan and greg have watch gigi and nightime tv

they are going to be some kind of tired today.

hopefully some of the regulars will come and take over the watch.

i think i finally felt some puppy movement--- i have been worried--- could be gigi is soooooo thick that any movement is muffled with her bulk.. i dunno

*******************

and from jade.....

Pistol was terrific.

We got our boarding passes, went through security and went to the gate accompanied by my mom. It was good for the worst case scenario but there was not even a minor hiccup.

On the plane I had her go in head first and then turn around as the eyes of the flight attendents will burn a hole in your back after a few attempts in reverse. Before I told her to lay down the pilot came out of the cockpit, saw her, said he had danes and knew how they were. He told the flight attendants to move me to a row where the armrests go up so she could lay on the seat. I know that is typically a no no but I wasn't going to tempt fate. She thoroughly enjoyed sitting up tall with her head way above the seats observing the boarding procedure and there were so many flashes going off so people would believe them I felt like I was traveling with Lindsey Lohan

***************

anne--- denmark anne ---- has been dealing with a kennel in denmark who had pups on t'day- -- we need a new influx of genes so i asked her do the translating to try and buy a harl male. then because i don't like to ship one pup alone--- i asked if they had a merle female-

merles are not showable there either so are usually destroyed at birth-- as they were--- and maybe still are-- in the "normal" akc kennel.

big gamble--- but we need new bloodlines---and this is a highly regarded kennel in denmark... so we gamble

here are the two we are haggling for---- just born ---

i think this would be considered color similar to PI i.e. not an akc PREFERED color--- but not as bad as merle

i like white on merles

Nov 27, 2011

GIGI IS ASLEEP ---- KATIE IS NOT

POOR KATIE

THE WAITING IS CALLED ANALYZING EVERY PHART

SHE HAD ONE GOOD BLANKET RIP AND WENT BACK TO SLEEP

********************

REPORT FROM JADES MOM

You wouldn't have known that they had only been together for 3 days, Pistol was perfectly behaved through security and while waiting at the gate.
becky

***

*******************

AND.... SOMEONE EMAILED ME ABOUT TRYING TO HITCH 2 DOGS TO A CART AND NEEDED INPUT-- SO I WROTE OUT SOME OF MY TRAINING PROCEEDURES

IT TOOK SO LONG I MAY AS WELL CUT AND PASTE IT HERE as the dd

WHO KNOWS---MAYBE ONE OF YOU ALL ARE TRYING TO HARNESS A DOG ALSO

EVERYBODY ELSE---- HIT THAT DELETE BUTTON

********************

BRIEFLY-- THESE ARE A FEW--- BUT NOT ALL-- THE THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN TRYING TO DRIVE DOGS..

START NOW BY DRAGING - ON THE END OF A 6' LEASH....AN EMPTY MILK JUG WITH A FEW STONES IN IT WHILE WALKING YOUR DOG-- AND WORK THE JUG CLOSER EACH TIME TIL IT OCCASIONALLY TOUCHES THEIR HIND LEGS

DOGS HAVE THE PANIC AND RUN THAT HORSES HAVE--- BUT

DOGS CAN BE TAUGHT NOT TO WORRY ABOUT SOMETHING THEY ARE DRAGGING--

- DONKEYS CAN ADAPT VERY FAST TO THE CONCEPT- AND PREFER TO SEE WHAT THEY ARE DRAGGING- I USED NO BLINDERS ON MY 8 HITCH OF DONKEYS

HORSES CAN NEVER BE TRUSTED WITHOUT BLINDERS AS IN NEVER,

ALONG HERE YOU WANT TO TEACH A RELIABLE WHOA-- I OFTEN DO THAT WHEN THE MILK JUG HITS THEIR HIND LEGS.. PLAN AHEAD--- IF THE CART SHOULD EVER HIT THEM IN THE REAR-- YOU WANT THEM TO STOP.. NOT RUN.. SO A GOOD WHOA IS CRITICAL.

AND WHOA MEANS STOP--- NOT WANDER SLOWER TO A WALK/STOP

WHEN YOU HAVE THAT OUT OF THE WAY... I THEN" HARNESS" THEM IN PAIRS-- AND I USE A HORSE HALTER AS A HARNESS-- WORKS PERFECTLY.

BUY THE KIND WITH THE ADJUSTABLE CHIN STRAP - THIS WILL ENABLE YOU TO LOOSEN IT SO THEY PULL WITH THEIR SHOULDERS--

IF YOU PLAN TO GO 1000 MILES--- MAYBE YOU SHOULD FIND A DIFFERENT SOLUTION--- HOWEVER I DOUBLE ENDED SNAP THEM TOGETHER AT THE GIRTH AND COLLAR -- WALK THEM OFF - PROBABLY WITH ANOTHER PERSON BECASUE A PANIC TWIST IS HARD TO UNDO--- AND MINE HAVE ADAPTED WITHIN MINUTES.- MINE USUALLY HAVE TROTTED OFF IN UNISON VERY QUICKLY

THE EXERCISE I USE IS TO HAVE THEM MAKE A LOOSE FIGURE 8 ABOUT 30' CIRCLES= WHICH I DO BY CALLING THE NAME OF THE INSIDE DOG-- AND AS THEY TURN A FEW TIMES, STEP BEHIND THEM AS THEY TROT SO THAT THE OTHER DOG IS THE "INSIDE" DOG

WITHOUT TOO MUCH EFFORT YOU CAN GET THEM TO TURN TOWARD THE NAME YOU CALL--- THAT IS AS FAR AS I WENT WITH ACTUALLY STEERING THEM--

A COUPLE KIDS AS "SIDEWALKERS" IS NICE FOR THE FIRST FEW TIMES--- AND IN OTHER CRITICAL SITUATIONS ( LIKE PARADES)

EVEN THE BUDWEISER CLYDESDALES HAVE SIDEWALKERS--.

COUPLE OTHER WORDS OF ADVICE---

YOU HAVE TO HAVE SOME KIND OF BRAKE-- A LEVER HINDGED TO PRESS ON THE FRONT WHEEL--- SOMETHING--- DOGS DO NOT HAVE THE BULK

OR THE HARNESS BREECHING TO SLOW UP AND STOP A WAGON.. AND YOU CAN HIT A DOG IN THE REAR JUST SO MANY TIMES BEFORE THEY EITHER RUN OFF OR WON'T MOVE AT ALL .

DURING YOUR INITIAL STAGE WHEN NO ONE IS RIDING IN THE CART- GET "SOME KID" TO WALK BEHIND WITH A ROPE AND PULL BACK KEEPING THE CART FROM RUNNING INTO TH E DOG.

AND... AS FOR A 2 WHEELED JOG CART--- THERE IS A VERY NICE ONE MADE WITH A THIRD WHEEL TO KEEP THE PRESSURE OFF THE DOG'S IF YOU LEAN FORWARD.. I FOUND MINE. SOMEWHERE IN ???? OREGON??WASHINGTON??

I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU OR THE DOG WEIGHS --- BUT I KNOW YOU MUST TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION --- IN A 2 WHEEL CART- THAT IF YOU LEAN BACK YOU CAN TIP OVER BACKWARDS--- SO SOMEHOW YOU NEED A "CART STRAP"

WHICH IN MY CASE HAS OFTEN BEEN A PIECE OF BALING STRING----

WITH ONE DOG IT GOES FROM THE SHAFT-- UNDER THE DOG'S GIRTH- AND TIED TO THE OTHER SHAFT.. WITH 2 DOGS IT IS A LITTEL MORE CREATIVE--- BUT YOU SHOULD FIGURE OUT SOMETHING.

DO NOT DECIDE YOU WILL NOT LEAN BACKWARDS--- BECAUSE YOU WILL-WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT.. MURPHY'S LAW.

I SAW A WOMAN DRIVING A MINI HORSE-- TIP OVER BACKWARDS-

SHE HAD A CART STRAP ON --- BUT SHE WAS LARGE-- AND THE LAWS OF PHYSICS SUCH THAT SHE PICKED UP THE MINI HORSE..

ARE THESE DANES YOU ARE HITCHING? ALSO WHERE ARE YOU FROM...

THEY DO WORK AND ARE SPECTACULAR-- BUT DON'T PLAN A 2 MILE PARADE THE 4TH OF JULY ---

THEIR STAMINA ON HOT PAVEMENT IS ZERO

FOR PARADES WE PULL A QUEEN SIZE BED ON A WAGON BEHIND A CAR- WITH A BUNCH OF DANES ( AND ME) ON THE BED.

MUCH EASIER !!!

IF I CAN FIND A FEW PHOTO'S I WILL SEND THEM

*********************************

Nov 28, 2011

gigi--- is becoming more and more uncomfortable---greg stayed overnight with her--- and from the balcony i could see she had nested ( i.e. rearrainged the bedding )

in all 4 couches-- we are going to loose another futon wherever she decides to have them...

we have counted to 63 many times -- i even got the calender out and numbered the squares--- and Sunday was #63 from her first cover...-- but there were 4 days--- and thanks to our microscope--- we found that sperm live a day or two after the cover.

so with one foot firmly planted in midair.....we watch...

greg has gone home--- i am now on duty til some other volunteers arrive..

***********************

opal--- not feeling well--- i have a feelling she ate too many pine needles or some such-- with their first day in the nut house.

she is drinking a lot of water--- but throwing it up too..

megan took her home--- and reports nothing staying down yet-- we may need to go see george.

w also learned that the bedding should be on the uphill side of the nuthouse-------

***

greg pounded in a few posts and we got a temp fence up

temp... HA ! --- probably 2 -3 years temporary...

******************

PAUL AND BUD TACKLED THE LIGHTING IN THE SAND AREA--WHICH INVOLVED MAny long ladders--- which are now empoyed as laundry driers...

******************

i have already participated in cyber monday--- or whatever this is called... i ordered 2 hav-a-hart traps--- as something large is chewing on the flooring-

we live in the woods--- so it could be almost anything--

we have several OWL SNACKS ( mice) to be delivered to george for his rehabilitating owl project.

jessica declared herself "the frozen rodent delivery company"
be careful with little plastic bags in our freezers--

if we catch anything in the hav a hart--- then he could serve a proper OWL DINNER.

it is critical that we do not use any chemical rat killer--- consequently we have healthy rats in the barn--- i don't really mind those as long as we are not over run -- maybe that great horned owl that was in the arena is a help. rats are why we had such great owl pictures from the visitor in the arena last week.

with effort we can make a positive out of almost anything....

but i do not want any of those in the house.

i have seen no tell tale evidence of rats (fyi rat do do is large brown rice--- more like brown orzo) --- but the chewing was not mice....

and snap traps for rats could be complicated with pups around

spilled dog food is an invitation..

we need to remove the invatation...

(?why do i equate spilled dog food to well paying jobs in texas?)

*****************

project of the day is to try and send money to denmark for 2 pups.

??? via paypal???

i may try and send $20 test---.

anne is helping with that one..

***************

and it is a brooksby village day for polly and bailey

***

the rest of us sit around staring at gigi's belly

Dec 2, 2011

GIGI IS SO MUCH BETTER THAT WHEN I LET HER OUT--- I HAD TO GO FIND HER--- SHE WAS QUITE HAPPY TO GET BACK IN THE WARM HOUSE--- BUT SHE HAD WANDERED ALL THE WAY TO THE BARN--

SHE GOT VERY ACCUSTOMED TO EVERYONE SITTING AROUND PATTING HER--- SHE IS A LITTLE DOWN NOW--- SO PATTING IS GOOD.

AND WE HAVE TO WORK HER IN TO THE HOUSE CROWD

I HEARD RUMORS THAT THE BLUE FAMILY MIGHT LIKE TO HAVE HER KEEP STERLING COMPANY FOR A BIT...

THIS WOULD BE A GOOD THING.

*************

SHORT DOG TODAY--

**************

I AM TRYING TO GET THE CHAIN LINK PANELS DONE--- 3 PER DAY-- AND IT IS A REAL "FEMALE DOG"

OBJECT IS TO STRETCH THE CHAIN BETWEEN THE FRAMES--

IT HAD MEGAN AND KAREN-- NEARLY CURSING--- AS THEY TRIED TO HELP STRETCH IT.

**********

SO WE QUIT AND WENT TO LUNCH-- WITH CHARLIE, PI, AND CRIMSON.

***

CRIMSON HAS A MOST PEQUILIAR ACT.

ONCE IN THE VAN SHE IS DETERMINED TO CLIMB UP AND OVER THE BACK OF THE SEATS WHICH ALREADY CONTAIN A PERSON

I HAVE SEEN JACK RUSSELS DO THAT --- BUT WITH A DANE--- THERE ARE JUST TOO MANY FEET ---

ESPECIALLY WHEN PI DECIDES "OH THAT LOOKS LIKE FUN" AND JOINS HER-

FUNNY FOR ME TO WATCH-- MIGHT NOT BE SO AMUSING IF THEY TOOK OFF RUNNING OVER THE TOPS OF THE SEATS IN AN AIRLINE,

WE HAVE A BIT OF TRAINING TO DO WITH THE LITTLE DEARS.

LITTLE--- PROBABLY OVER 120 POUNDS--- AND GROWING.

*******************

PUPPY RUNNING AT THE FAIRGROUNDS HAS THE ADDED COMPLICATION OF THE HUGE PUDDLE MADE BY THE OVERFLOWING IPSWICH RIVER

MAYBE 6" DEEP--- 5 ACRES

OUR BUNCH FOUND IT YESTERDAY AND BOUNDED THRU SPLASHING WITH GREAT DELIGHT..

FINALLY RETURNING TO THE WARM VAN

ONE OF THOSE-- LET NATURE TRAIN THEM --- DEALS

WARM IS GOOD--- THEREFORE GETTING IN THE VAN IS GOOD.

*************

I THINK WINTER HAS ARRIVED--- OR AT LEAST IS SNEAKING IN

TO THAT END --- WE HAD A LOAD OF "LYNNPACK" DELIVERED TO FILL THE HOLES IN THE DRIVEWAY-- IT IS THE LEFTOVER FROM BREAKING UP ROCKS IN A GRAVEL PIT -- I THINK.

SO MY BELOVED POTHOLES ( AKA SPEED BUMPPS) ARE TO BE FILLED.

LET ME WARN YOU--- THAT IS NOT AN INVITATION TO GO ANY FASTER

BECAUSE IF YOU THOUGHT THE BUMPS WERE NASTY--- YOU HAVE NOT SEEM ME GET MAD AT SOMEONE DRIVING TOO FAST IN THE YARD.

ONCE INSIDE THAT GATE IT IS 1/2 MILE PER HOUR--- OR PARK OUTSIDE THE GATE-- WE CAN NOT DEAL WITH LOOSE PUPPIES AND DRIVERS WHO ARE MOVING FASTER THAN A SLOW ROLL.

AND EVEN THAT MAKES ME NERVOUS

*********************

THE CHICKEN SH#TTING IS COMING ALONG-- THERE ARE SEVERAL WHO DONATE MORE THAN THE $10-- AND WE REALLY APPRECIATE IT--- BUT $10 PER DAILY DOGGER WORKS TOO.

AS OF TODAY WE HAVE ONE PALLET OF FOOD PAID FOR.

PROBLEM IS IT TAKES MORE THAN ONE PALLET

?HOW MUCH MORE??

LAST I TESTED I THINK IT WAS 70 SCOOPS OF FOOD PER BAG-

WE HAVE ABOUT 30 DOGS--- GENERICALLY EATING 4 SCOOPS PER DAY

120 SCOOPS ALMOST 2 BAGS-- A PALLET IS 28 BAGS..

FIND A FRIEND---

IDEALLY SELLING 200 NUMBERS WOULD PAY THE COST (PRIZE AND MEMSAIC,CREDIT MCARD CHARGES ) AND PAY TH EFOOD BILL

THAT WOULD BE 1 CHANCE IN 200 AT WINNING.

GO FOR IT.

TELL FRIENDS.